Book of 2 Corinthians

Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

This summary of the book of 2 Corinthians provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme,
theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 2 Corinthians.

Author

Paul
is the author of this letter (see 1:1; 10:1). It is stamped with his style
and contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings.

Date

The available evidence indicates that the year a.d. 55 is a reasonable estimate
for the writing of this letter. From 1Co 16:5-8 it may be concluded that 1
Corinthians was written from Ephesus before Pentecost (in the late spring)
and that 2 Corinthians may have been written later that same year before the
onset of winter. 2Co 2:13; 7:5 indicate that it was probably written from Macedonia.

Recipients

The opening greeting of the letter states that it was addressed to the church
in Corinth and to Christians throughout Achaia (the Roman province comprising
all of Greece south of Macedonia; see map, 2288).

Occasion

It seems that Paul wrote as many as four letters to the church at Corinth:
(1) the letter referred to in 1Co 5:9 (see note there); (2) 1 Corinthians;
(3) the "severe" letter (see 2Co 2:3-4; see also below); (4) 2 Corinthians.
After writing 1 Corinthians Paul continued his ministry at Ephesus until he
heard that his letter had not completely accomplished its purpose. A group
of men had come to Corinth who presented themselves as apostles. They were
false teachers who were challenging, among other things, Paul's personal integrity
and his authority as an apostle (see 11:4; 12:11).

In the face of this serious situation, Paul decided to make a quick trip
to Corinth (12:4; 13:1-2) to see whether he could remedy the situation. The
visit turned out to be painful and did not accomplish its purpose. So when
Paul returned to Ephesus, he wrote the Corinthians a severe letter "out of
great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears" (2:4), probably sending
it by Titus (12:8). Some identify this letter with 2Co 10-13. Others think it has been lost.

After writing the severe letter, Paul had second thoughts. He was deeply
concerned about how the Corinthians might react to it. So after the riot caused
by Demetrius and his fellow silversmiths (see Ac 19:23-41), he left Ephesus
and set out for Macedonia by way of Troas. He expected to meet Titus in Troas
to get news of the effect of his severe letter on the Corinthian church, but
Titus was not there (see 2Co 2:12-13). Still deeply concerned and despite the
fact that the Lord had opened up an opportunity to preach the gospel at Troas,
Paul said good-by to the believers there and moved on to Macedonia, where he
met Titus. To his relief, the news from the Corinthian church was basically
good. The severe letter had brought its intended results (7:5-16). The encouraging
report of Titus of the improved situation at Corinth is the immediate occasion
of the writing of 2 Corinthians.

How, then, does one explain the harsh tone of chs. 10 - 13, which is so different
from the rest of the letter? Some think that when Paul had just completed writing
the first nine chapters, a report came to him that a strong and vocal minority
was still causing trouble at Corinth. So before sending off the letter he added
the last four chapters to address this troublemaking group. Others hold that
chs. 10 - 13 were written some time after Paul had sent the first nine chapters
and that they constitute a separate letter. There is, however, no manuscript
evidence that warrants splitting 2 Corinthians into two parts.

Purposes

Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes
in mind:

To express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had
responded favorably to his painful letter (1:3-4; 7:8-9,12-13).

To let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of
Asia (1:8-11).

To warn them not to be "yoked together with unbelievers" (6:14 -- 7:1).

To explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards)
and high calling of Christian ministry. This is the so-called great digression,
but it turns out to be in some ways the most important section of the letter
(2:14 -- 7:4; see note on 2:14).

To teach the Corinthians about the grace of giving and to make sure that
they complete the collection for the poor Christians at Jerusalem (chs. 8 - 9).

Structure

The structure of the letter relates primarily to Paul's impending third visit
to Corinth. The letter falls naturally into three sections:

Paul explains the reason for the changes in his itinerary (chs. 1 - 7).

Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection in preparation
for his arrival (chs. 8 - 9).

Paul stresses the certainty of his coming, his authenticity as an apostle
and his readiness to exercise discipline if necessary (chs. 10 - 13).

Unity

Some have questioned the unity of this letter (see above), but it forms a
coherent whole, as the structure above shows. Tradition has been unanimous
in affirming its unity (the early church fathers, e.g., knew the letter only
in its present form). Furthermore, none of the early Greek manuscripts breaks
up the book.